Technoeconomic analysis of an integrated gasification combined cycle system as a way to utilise bagasse

Sugar cane milling processes leave a waste solid residue, known as bagasse, which is subsequently combusted with the aim of covering the energy demands of the sugar plants. An alternative way to co-generate electricity and heat is via the integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) process. The main sections of this process are the gasification unit and the combined power generation cycle (Brayton-Rankine) and it is usually preferred to combustion in small scale applications due to enhanced electricity yields and lower emissions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine whether or not the IGCC process is more feasible than combustion for the utilisation of bagasse (large scale application). Aspen plus process simulator was employed to simulate the investigated system and based on the simulations technical and economic analyses were carried out. Consequently, the cost of electricity was calculated and compared with that derived from combustion systems. So far, to the best of our knowledge, no comparative assessment between the basic biomass-to-electricity processes was attempted. Thus, the present study focuses on integrating exhaustive process simulations along with thorough energetic and financial calculations to evaluate the feasibility of the IGCC process. This methodology provides a robust mechanism and can be used as a reliable decision making tool.